Gaiam Essentials Mat vs Here & Now Yoga Mat

Quick answer

Choose the Gaiam Essentials Fitness Mat (10mm) if you want extra cushioning for floor work or joint sensitivity; pick the Here & Now Yoga Mat (4mm) if you prefer a thinner, more stable surface for balance poses and easy portability.

Thickness: comfort vs stability

The most significant difference between these two mats is thickness. The Gaiam Essentials Fitness Mat offers 10mm of extra-thick foam, which provides substantial cushioning for exercises like ab work, stretching, and other floor routines. This makes it a strong choice if you have sensitive knees, elbows, or a tailbone that needs extra padding.

The Here & Now Yoga Mat is 4mm thick, a common thickness for yoga practice. It provides enough cushioning for most poses while keeping you closer to the floor, which helps with balance in standing poses and inversions. A thinner mat also feels more stable underfoot, especially in poses that require a solid connection to the ground.

Grip and surface texture

Both mats are designed to keep you from slipping, but they achieve that in different ways. The Here & Now Yoga Mat features a textured, sticky non-slip surface, which is ideal for yoga poses where your hands and feet need to stay planted. The texture helps maintain traction even during a sweaty practice.

The Gaiam Essentials Fitness Mat uses non-slip ridges for superior traction. These ridges are especially useful during dynamic exercises like planks or mountain climbers, where you want to avoid sliding while you move. The ridge pattern is also effective for floor work where you might be lying or sitting on the mat.

Portability and extras

If you carry your mat to a studio or the gym, weight and portability matter. At 4mm, the Here & Now Yoga Mat is lightweight and easy to roll up, making it a convenient option for commuters. It also comes with a free yoga library of online content, which can be a helpful bonus for beginners or home practitioners.

The Gaiam Essentials Fitness Mat is thicker and therefore heavier, but it includes a nylon carry strap for easy transport. The strap makes it simpler to sling over your shoulder, but the extra bulk may still be noticeable if you walk long distances. Consider how you'll carry the mat when deciding.

Trade-offs to consider

• Cushioning vs stability: If you need more padding for knees or elbows, choose the 10mm Gaiam Essentials. If you want better balance and ground connection, choose the 4mm Here & Now. Think about whether your practice involves more floor work or more standing balance poses.
• Grip style: The Here & Now's sticky texture suits yoga poses where you need a firm grip. The Essentials' ridges are better for dynamic exercises where you move across the mat. Match the grip texture to your primary activity: yoga vs fitness training.
• Portability vs comfort: The Here & Now is lighter and easier to carry, while the Essentials is heavier but includes a carry strap. If you commute by foot or bike, the thinner mat is more practical. Weigh the convenience of carrying against the comfort of extra thickness.

Product facts at a glance

• Here & Now Yoga Mat (4mm): The Here & Now Yoga Mat is 4mm thick and features a textured, sticky non-slip surface. This thinner mat offers a stable base for balance poses and a grippy surface for hands and feet.

  

• Gaiam Essentials Fitness Mat & Sling (10mm): The Gaiam Essentials Fitness Mat is 10mm thick with non-slip ridges and comes with a nylon carry strap. The extra cushioning protects joints during floor exercises, and the strap makes it easier to carry despite the bulk.

  

Which mat fits you?

Best for

• Beginners or those with joint sensitivity who want extra cushioning for floor exercises
• Practitioners who prioritize portability and a stable surface for balance poses

Not for

• Travelers who need an ultra-light mat (the Essentials is heavier)
• Those who prefer a thicker mat for deep stretching or restorative yoga